Imagining what Arnold Schwarzenegger would look like as Ivan Drago is no more after recent images hit the internet.
Schwarzenegger suits up as the Russian juggernaut in a new Rocky IV deepfake to be released as a video clip shortly.
Comedian Brian Monarch shared the images of Arnie playing Rocky Balboa’s nemesis in the 1985 blockbuster. Monarch promised to share a video of the mashup in conjunction with Schwarzenegger impressionist Joe Gaudet.
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ivan Drago
The images are stunning, though, as the technology is now so advanced it can fool anybody. In the initial social media post, Arnie plays Drago in four scenes, with any accompanying video set to cause a significant stir.
Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren in his debut performance, was an instant hit with the movie world. His mix of robotics and drug-fueled power sent shivers down spines as Rocky’s best friend, Apollo Creed, succumbed to an onslaught in their exhibition bout.
Creed never recovered from his beating, and Rocky was forced to avenge the loss on Drago’s home turf. Balboa traveled to Russia on Christmas Day and risked life and limb to get the last word.
At the time, Sylvester Stallone was embroiled in a film critic-fuelled feud with Schwarzenegger, as both were the top names in action movies at the time.
Had Stallone cast Schwarzenegger in the role, history would have been rewritten. However, the pair did end up being friends anyway.
They worked together on the Expendables following Arnold’s stint as California Governor.
Stallone continues to expand the Rocky franchise through his Creed movies, with the third installment recently released. Drago also made a comeback in Creed II as his son took on the offspring of Apollo in the main event.
But Drago has had its fair share of controversy after Stallone shared his dismay at plans to bring back Lundgren in the role through a new spin-off.
It’s safe to say Stallone is not on board with the planned project.
Drago spin-off plans
“Another Heartbreaker,” said Stallone about the studio blueprint for a ‘Drago’ series. “I just found this out.
“Once again, Irwin Winkler – this pathetic 94-year-old producer and his moronic vulture children Charles And David- are picking clean the bones of another wonderful character I created without telling me.
“I apologize to the fans. I never wanted Rocky characters to be exploited by these parasites.”
“By the way, I once had nothing but respect for Dolph, but he never told me what was going on behind my back with the character I created for him.
“Real friends are more precious than gold. Irwin Winkler and his family suck Rocky dry!
“Presumed to be Hollywood’s most hated, untalented, decrepit producer. [Winkler and] his cowardly children have found their next meal -Drago?
“Throughout history, so many artists in every industry, recording, painting, writing. You name it, have been destroyed by these bloodsuckers!
“They have destroyed many families, lining their pockets with other people’s work. [They are] parasite producers [and] exploited artists [as] victims.”
If Arnie plays Drago in the new spin-off, it may get Stallone’s approval.
